Today’s gonna be a good day y’all. Between March Madness & SXSW, along with recuperating from St. Patty’s day, this is definitely one of those unofficial holidays. With North Carolina out of the picture & Michigan State most likely gone by the end of the weekend, the door is open for a new champion to walk away with the crown.

And I mean wide open.

Last year, you could count on three fingers who was going to be the champ last year. But this year, there are eight or nine teams that could make a competitive case as to why they’ll be cutting down the nets. Don’t get me wrong, the number one seeds are the front runners for sure, but the separation between them and the rest of the pack isn’t as great as in previous tourneys. And it’s due more to their flaws than strengths. All the above factors combined should equate to an entertaining tournament.

We’ll divulge our first rounds picks for your amusement and to open up the conversation, along with a few games that have upset potential written all over them. So happy bracketing and enjoy the day.

(6) Notre Dame Vs. (11) Old Dominion

Before the Big East Tournament, Notre Dame was looking at being one of the lower seeds in the tournament. With the return of Luke Harangody and a loss to West Virginia in the semi-finals, the Fighting Irish were rewarded with a six seed. That’s quite a jump in the span of a week & one of the many questionable choices the committee made (along with giving Kansas – the overall number one seed – the toughest region while media darling Duke was given a cake walk). In Old Dominion, Notre Dame will face a team that plays in a league that may not have as much talent as the Big East but is still competitive. That’s not to say that Notre Dame can’t win, but they could lose just as easily.

Despite similar records, Marquette is favored for playing more consistently through out the season & playing in the stronger conference. Washington is a good team that has been up and down all year, but has benefited from playing in the weaker Pac Ten. The Huskies looked reinvigorated going through their conference tourney & if they can play their uptempo style against the Golden Eagles, they’ll have more than a fighting chance in this one. Which means Marquette wants to keep it slow and the score low. Classic clash of playing styles & there can only be one winner.

Utep is going to beat Butler, Matt Howard is going to get in foul trouble trying to cover Character and the other big man from UTEP, who can play as well.

03.18.10 at 10:47 am

ADrake22

TSS shoulda did their bracket through ESPN for $free.99

03.18.10 at 10:58 am

naciremaBK

I hate Kansas… but they’re not going to lose a game the rest of the season.

03.18.10 at 10:59 am

naciremaBK

Kansas = National Champion

03.18.10 at 11:03 am

Douglas Howser

^ Co-sign.

03.18.10 at 11:04 am

Douglas Howser

Utep is going to beat Butler, Matt Howard is going to get in foul trouble trying to cover Character and the other big man from UTEP, who can play as well.
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I had a hard time picking for this one… I think Butler will finally play to their expectations though. Butler wins the first rounder.

I’m a big North Carolina fan myself so my interest isn’t as big in the tournament as it usually is! Although I still have an interest but Kansas will lose in the title game to Kentucky!

03.18.10 at 11:39 am

complexone

I will be in the top 10 in that uproxx bracket. Write it down, take a picture, i dont give a fuuuuuck!

03.18.10 at 12:30 pm

El Rosado

Well since my alma mater (Illinois) saw their bubble burst all I got left is my gut. My gut says Kansas, Kansas State, Duke, KY. KY over Kansas for the title. And I’m not finishing lower than G in the uproxx pool hahaha.

03.18.10 at 12:32 pm

El Rosado

iPhone march madness app = win. Not a bad $10 investment.

I usually watch games streamed on CBS online, new firewall at work cockblocked that though.

03.18.10 at 12:46 pm

complexone

That Ivan brothers shit is funny. Can the wolves sign at least one of these guys?

03.18.10 at 1:21 pm

J. Tinsley

K-State, Ohio State, Kentucky, and RICHMOND.

I suck at picking these things cause I watch too much basketball as is, so that’s my four. Now if one of them lose first weekend (i.e. Richmond), I’m quitting TSS and never showing my face (words) around here again.

LMAO I have a Vanndy co-worker that is still sick rt now- head plastered 2 the bar, I told him 2 luv thy neighbor!-

03.18.10 at 10:00 pm

B.Payton

OU!!!!!

03.18.10 at 10:07 pm

Athrin

Looks like Washington took that W in a great game against Marquette. Wanna see Texas Tech vs Wake Forest, but we don’t get it in Rochester. Lame.

03.18.10 at 10:23 pm

Athrin

Remove the Tech from Texas Tech.

03.18.10 at 11:36 pm

complexone

Dammit, I knew GTown sucked ass too and i still picked them to beat Ohio STATE

03.19.10 at 11:22 am

Hyyyer

MARCH 18, ’10 AT 4:48 PM
Let’s go Ohio! And I’m not talking bout those Buckeyes. Remember the name Armon Bassett.

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Just to reference my post from before the game yesterday. My Bobcats just came out and simply smacked Georgetown around. That game wasn’t even as close as the final score. D.J. Cooper is a beast and a true freshman. Hopefully they can keep it rollin against Tennessee. Go OHIO!